Hutchinson exec Klein to lead German rubber association

Frankfurt, Germany – German rubber industry association (WDK) has appointed Michael Klein, managing director of Hutchinson Deutschland, as its new president.

Klein succeeds Michael Wendt of Pirelli Deutschland, who has held the position since June 2022, said WDK in a statement 7 Nov.

Upon his appointment, Klein noted that his focus would be on supporting Germany as an industrial location.

“The German rubber industry is known for its performance, flexibility and innovative strength,” he said.

In order for it to remain successful, Klein went on to say, “the location conditions must improve.”

The new WDK president cited affordable energy costs, “sensible” chemicals regulation and “a significant reduction” in bureaucracy as key to Germany’s competitiveness.

Klein has been a member of the WDK executive board since 2017 and has worked at Hutchinson since 2008.

Initially joining as sales director for defence technology, he became general manager of Hutchinson Deutschland in 2018.

WDK also made changes in the executive board, which consists of four vice presidents.

Tire-manufacturer members elected Dr André Weisz of Goodyear Germany and Maria Röttger of Michelin Reifenwerke AG for the positions.

From technical elastomer products manufacturers, Dr Sven Vogt of KKT Frölich and Peter Cöllen of Vorwerk Autotec were elected to the board.